Nintendo and SEGA Team Up to Offer Sonic the Hedgehog Titles in Exclusive Partnership

Ever since SEGA left the console business with the end of the Dreamcast, many have said– perhaps with a bit of snark in their voices, in some cases– that Nintendo should just buy SEGA and add their catalog of classic gaming characters, such as Sonic the Hedgehog, to their own already-formidable cast. While such an event has yet to transpire, the two parties have entered into an exclusive deal which might give us an idea of what such a partnership would be like.

Truth be told, Nintendo and SEGA are no strangers. Outside of their monumental rivalry throughout the 90’s, the two have worked together on numerous occasions, from the creation of F-Zero GX to Sonic appearing in Super Smash Bros. Brawl and bringing his entire crew along for the ride as he competed with Mario’s cast of crazies in numerous SEGA-developed titles set at the Olympic Games. Beyond that, Sonic is no stranger to exclusivity on Nintendo platforms, as the Sonic Advance, “Storybook,” and Sonic Rush series, plus the two versions of Sonic Colors can attest, among others.

But today, Nintendo made it official with their announcement during Nintendo Direct: SEGA of America and SEGA of Europe have entered into an exclusive agreement with their respective local Nintendo counterparts to “make Nintendo consoles the number one destination for Sonic gaming” for the Blue Blur’s next three titles.

“The onetime rivalry between Mario and Sonic has grown into a friendship that has never been closer,” said Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America President and Chief Operating Officer. “These announcements in conjunction with SEGA demonstrate the commitment we have to bringing great games to the Wii U platform, and set the stage for our upcoming announcements at E3.”

“Sonic the Hedgehog has proven incredibly successful on Nintendo platforms and we are pleased to continue our long-standing relationship with Nintendo,” added SEGA of America President & COO, John Cheng, in a separate release. “As we initiate this new exclusive partnership with the next three titles we believe that Wii U and Nintendo 3DS are ideal platforms to showcase the evolution of the Sonic brand.”

So far, it seems two of the games have been revealed. The first is Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games for the Wii U (with no mention yet of a Nintendo 3DS version, which would be a shame on account of the story mode alone). Curling, skiing, figure skating pairs, and snowboard slopestyle – which will be making its Olympic debut in Sochi, Russia– are among the events which players can expect to find as they use either the Wii Remote Plus controller, Wii U GamePad, or potentially both throughout.

In addition to realistic events, the series’ famed Dream Events, set in Mario and Sonic’s respective worlds, will be making their return as well. Launch details and timing will be revealed at a later date.

Nintendo and SEGA also pulled the curtain back on a new title, Sonic: Lost World. No details were given on this Wii U and Nintendo 3DS-exclusive title, but more will come at a later date. In the meantime, check out the lone image provided at the top of this very article.